So what was the national view of the Rams’ draft? Pretty solid, actually.

Here is a sampler of what the pundits wrote after the marathon was finally done:

John Czarnecki, FoxSports.com: “The Rams toyed with the idea of trading with the Jets, but didn’t believe the offered compensation justified their second pick in the first round. Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith should eventually become a left tackle and they passed on Rey Maualuga in order to draft Ohio State middle linebacker James Laurinaitis, a two-year captain with the Buckeyes. Laurinaitis should start immediately and he was taken over Maualuga because he actually can call the defense.The Rams went for defense in Iowa cornerback Bradley Fletcher and Clemson nose tackle Dorell Scott, who has some quickness. Scott was a three-year starter and collected 31 tackles for losses to go along with seven sacks.”

Mel Kiper, ESPN.com: “If I were the Rams, I would have taken Mark Sanchez at the No. 2 spot, but I do like offensive tackle Jason Smith. Inside linebacker James Laurinaitis was a good selection in the second round. Cornerback Bradley Fletcher would’ve gone higher if he had better speed. There were better quarterbacks available in the sixth round, when they took Keith Null.”

Peter King, SI.com: “I can’t be happier for the fans of the Rams that this team did the right thing and took a 10-year tackle. Why? The tackle situation was as bad as any single position for any team in football, and getting Jason Smith to replace Orlando Pace was essential . . . James Laurinaitis over Rey Maulaluga at LB? It has to do with the Rams’ belief that the Ohio State kid can better run a defense.”

Charles Robinson, Yahoo! Sports: “Smith should continue to get better and has the potential to be a rock on the offensive line for the next decade. Laurinaitis is the definition of consistent at middle linebacker. Fletcher could be a starter eventually. Null is big, has a strong arm and could stick as a long term developmental guy.”

Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: “Best pick: Getting linebacker James Laurinaitis in the second round is a nice move. He is a big hitter who has good instincts. Steve Spagnuolo will love him. Questionable move: Passing on Eugene Monroe for Jason Smith. That’s a move we’ll watch closely for the next 10 years. Second-day gem: Fourth-round pick Dorell Scott has talent, but he under-achieved last season. But he has talent to get into the rotation at defensive tackle.”

Clifton Brown, SportingNews.com: “They made the right move, taking elite tackle Jason Smith instead of quarterback Mark Sanchez or linebacker Aaron Curry. Linebacker James Laurinaitis, defensive tackle Dorell Scott and cornerback Bradley Fletcher should help the defensive scheme brought in by new coach Steve Spagnuolo.”

MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE

Questions to ponder while Billy Devaney monitors the waiver wire, looking for another wide receiver:

• Why is Jason Campbell “shocked” that his team showed interest Mark Sanchez? How many Super Bowls has Campbell won in Washington?
• Can Mike Keenan survive his team’s first-round exit to the Blackhawks?
• Will anybody miss Screamin’ A. Smith now that ESPN has canned him?
• Is anybody surprised that the Flyers liked this kid?

“FAMILY GUY” VS. MICHAEL VICK

Gotta admit, Vick has it coming.

THERE IS NO “I” IN TEAM

And there is no “I” in marathon, either. A man needs a great pit crew.

THE HIGH PRICE OF THEATRICS

Not everybody loses with grace, especially when the winner rubs it in.

MEGAPHONE

“My definition of a diva is someone who’s loud and self-absorbed. Michael Crabtree is the furthest thing from loud that I’ve seen . . .  Let’s see how all those non-divas do up in Cleveland this year.”

Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, defending his player to the Sacramento Bee, after the Browns passed on him.